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Traditional Ukrainian Holubtsi

Traditional Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls (Holubtsi)

Ukrainian cabbage rolls, are a beloved dish in every Ukrainian household.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 12 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Polish, Russian, Ukrainian
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large head of green cabbage
  • 1 ½ cups white rice uncooked
  • 1 ½ lbs ground beef or a mix of pork and beef
  • 1 medium onion finely diced
  • 1 medium carrot grated
  • 2 tbsp sunflower oil or neutral oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup cabbage water or broth
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ tsp vinegar or lemon juice for brightness
  • Sour cream for serving
  • Dill for serving

Equipment

  • 1 Dutch Oven
  • 1 Cast Iron Skillet For sauteing onions and carrots
  • 1 Large Glass Bowl For filling

Method
 

Prepare the cabbage
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove the core of the cabbage and gently place the head in the water.
  2. Simmer for 5–8 minutes, peeling off softened outer leaves with tongs as they loosen.
  3. Set aside about 15–20 whole leaves for rolling.
Make the filling
  1. Cook the rice halfway (about 8 minutes), then drain.
  2. In a pan, sauté the onions and carrots in oil until soft.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the rice, meat, sautéed vegetables, salt, pepper, and spices. Mix well.
Assemble the rolls
  1. Trim the thick stem of each cabbage leaf to make rolling easier.
  2. Place 2 tablespoons of filling onto a leaf. Fold in the sides, then roll tightly like a burrito.
  3. Repeat with remaining filling and leaves.
Make the tomato sauce
  1. In a saucepan, combine tomato sauce, tomato paste, cabbage water (or broth), sugar, salt, and pepper.
  2. Simmer for 5–10 minutes, adjusting seasonings to taste.
Assemble and cook
  1. Layer cabbage rolls in a large pot or baking dish.
  2. Pour the tomato sauce over the rolls, ensuring they’re mostly covered.
  3. Cover with a lid or foil.
  4. Oven Method: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1.5 hours.
  5. Stovetop Method: Simmer on low for 1.5 hours.
  6. Serve covered with tomato sauce
  7. Optional: Top with a dollop of sour cream and freshly chopped dill